Lexus marks Hybrid milestone
Lexus marks hybrid milestone as it gets set to launch the next evolution of electrified powertrains with two new BEV models
Lexus is set to reach another major milestone in May, marking 20 years of hybrid technology in Australia as it prepares to launch the next evolution of electrified powertrains with two new BEV models – the new Lexus RZ and the all-new Lexus ES.
Now in its sixth generation globally, Lexus has a proud and storied heritage in pioneering hybrid and battery technology. Lexus was the first in Australia to introduce a hybrid luxury sedan with the GS 450h in May 2006, followed by the world’s first hybrid luxury SUV – the RX 400h – just a few months later.
The luxury lifestyle brand set a number of world firsts with the introduction of the GS 450h. It was the first hybrid-powered rear-wheel drive vehicle and the first hybrid luxury sedan. It was also the forerunner of a hybrid revolution that defines contemporary transportation.
Two decades on and almost four in every five Lexus vehicles sold in Australia is equipped with either hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or battery-electric (BEV) powertrains, demonstrating the brand’s heritage and continued leadership in hybrid and battery technology innovation.
“Since 2006 Lexus has continued to innovate and push the boundaries of electrified technology, delivering 69,968 electrified vehicles in Australia over that time,” said Lexus Australia Chief Executive, Jack Hobbs.
“From hybrid to plug-in hybrid and all-electric, Lexus has made countless breakthroughs and innovations in its technology over the years to deliver a powerful, efficient and luxurious electrified driving experience.”
The arrival of the upgraded RZ battery-electric SUV in May will offer customers an exciting, enhanced take on the all-electric Lexus Driving Signature of precise, linear vehicle response that faithfully follows the driver’s intentions.
The Lexus dedication to continuous improvement sees the RZ’s range enhanced with a newly developed lithium-ion battery pack, increased power output and faster charging, along with innovative new features and the first all-electric F Sport model, the RZ 550e.
Following the introduction of the new RZ range, Lexus will again redefine the concept of the luxury sedan in Australia when the all-new battery-electric and hybrid-electric variants of the Lexus ES arrive in local showrooms in the third quarter.
Boasting new-generation Lexus technologies, a completely overhauled design inside and out, and the option of a battery-electric powertrain for the first time, the all-new ES represents a step change for the luxury sedan as it leaps forward into a new generation.
“The arrival of two new BEV models will build on the electrification legacy Lexus has forged over two decades of hybrid leadership in Australia, underpinned by a sales and service network that now extends to more than 30 locations around Australia, along with a nationwide parts and warehousing footprint,” Mr Hobbs said.
“With the infrastructure well established to ensure genuine parts, battery recycling programs and long-term servicing are accessible far and wide, the strength and capability of the Lexus dealer network provides peace of mind for existing and new customers at every stage of their ownership journey.”
Powerful, yet fuel-efficient Lexus electrified technology is offered with Hybrid on the ES, LBX, LC, LM, LS, LX, NX, RX and UX Lines. Plug-in Hybrid is available with the NX and RX lines, while the RZ range is about to be joined by the ES as offering Battery Electric powertrains. All up, Lexus offers 35 electrified grades across 10 models.
As each year passed the proportion of electrified Lexus vehicles sold to Australian customers has grown – initially it represented around eight per cent of the mix, by the end of 2013 it was closer to 35 per cent, now it is close to 80 per cent.
The new Lexus RZ range will showcase the benefits of electrification technology – not just in terms of power and energy efficiency – but in delivering a more rewarding experience for drivers and passengers alike.
Lexus was the first in Australia to introduce a hybrid luxury vehicle with the GS 450h in 2006.
The RX 400h was the world’s first hybrid luxury SUV in 2005.
The CT 200h was the first compact luxury hybrid vehicle from Lexus, powered exclusively by a 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain.
The NX 450h+ was the first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model from Lexus.
Highlights of 20 years of Lexus hybrid and battery technology:
2006
A pivotal moment for Lexus locally with the arrival of Australia’s first hybrid luxury vehicles in the GS 450h and RX 400h.
2007
Lexus introduces the long wheelbase LS 600hL limousine, the world’s first V8-powered hybrid.
Lexus delivers its 1,000th hybrid vehicle in Australia.
2009
Lexus unveils the world’s most powerful hybrid SUV to the Australian public – powered by the world’s only Atkinson-cycle V6 engine in a hybrid, the RX 450h produces a combined power output of 220kW.
2011
The CT 200h, the first compact luxury hybrid vehicle, arrives in local showrooms and is available exclusively with a 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain and front-wheel drive.
2013
New-generation IS goes on sale in Australia, offering a hybrid powertrain for the first time with the IS 300h.
ES returns to local showrooms after a seven-year hiatus, with a hybrid powertrain for the first time in the ES 300h.
Lexus delivers its 10,000th hybrid luxury vehicle to local customers.
2014
The mid-size NX SUV debuts in Australia, yet another Lexus to offer choice of powertrains including intelligent hybrid with the NX 300h.
2015
The NX 300h becomes the most popular electrified Lexus in the range, going on to average more than 1,000 deliveries four years in a row.
2016
Lexus delivers its 1,000,000th hybrid globally when a NX 300h SUV is delivered to a customer in Milan, Italy.
2017
The revolutionary, performance-oriented Multi Stage Hybrid System makes its debut in the Lexus LC 500h, combining a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with a 300Nm motor generator and compact lithium-ion battery.
The LC500h becomes the first luxury Lexus to usher in sporty electrified performance, able to simulate a 10-speed transmission with much stronger off-the-line performance.
Lexus delivers its 20,000th hybrid vehicle in Australia – the RX SUV leads the way with nearly 7,000 deliveries, followed by the CT 200h with almost 6,500 deliveries.
2018
The compact UX SUV arrives, featuring the hybrid UX 250h.
2019
The compact and versatile Lexus LF-30 Electrified Concept is unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, a forerunner to the first dedicated Lexus production BEV to come.
2020
Lexus celebrates 30 years in Australia, coinciding with more than 30,000 hybrid electric vehicles sold to date. It took nine years to deliver the first 15,000 hybrids as Lexus progressively expanded the range in Australia, yet it took fewer than six years to double the tally.
2021
The UX 300e is launched in Australia, the first Lexus battery-electric vehicle (BEV).
Lexus eclipses the major milestone of 2,000,000global sales of electrified vehicles, which have contributed to a cumulative global reduction in CO2 emissions of approximately 19 million tonnes.
One third of all Lexus vehicles delivered in Australia are now hybrid.
2022
The first Lexus plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the NX 450h+, is introduced, offering electric for short trips and hybrid for longer ones with zero tailpipe emissions for up to an 87km range1.
The all-new, fifth-generation RX makes its global debut, headlined by the RX 500h F Sport Performance with the first turbocharged hybrid powertrain from Lexus. Producing 273kW, it is the most powerful Lexus available across the entire line-up in Australia.
Almost half of Lexus sales in Australia are now either HEV, PHEV or BEV – more than any other luxury brand with a similar portfolio of sedans, SUVs and sports cars.
2023
The RZ 450e is launched in Australia – the second BEV from Lexus but the first built on a dedicated electric car platform.
Mid-year Lexus delivers its 40,000th hybrid-electric vehicle in Australia.
More than 60 per cent of customers opted for an electrified Lexus vehicle in 2023.
2024
The stylish LBX urban SUV is introduced. Innovations include a Lexus-first super-frugal three-cylinder 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain.
Lexus delivers its 50,000th electrified vehicle in Australia – with the last 20,000 arriving in just the last four years.
2025
Lexus introduces plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology on the RX large SUV range with RX 450h+ in Luxury and Sports Luxury trim levels.
Lexus redefines the chauffeur-driven experience, launching the LM 350h and LM 500h, offering the ultimate in personal luxury and hybrid powertrains.
2026
Lexus expands its flagship LX luxury off-road SUV range with the introduction of the LX 700h performance hybrid powertrain.
The new RZ BEV range is introduced, with a newly developed lithium-ion battery pack, more power, improved range and faster charging.
The all-new ES luxury sedan arrives with next-generation battery-electric technology.
LEXUS HYBRID SALES2
| LEXUS HYBRID | UNITS |
|---|---|
| NX | 23284 |
| RX | 16217 |
| CT | 7864 |
| ES | 7350 |
| UX | 6399 |
| LBX | 3402 |
| IS | 2788 |
| GS | 1172 |
| LM | 576 |
| RZ | 521 |
| LS | 303 |
| LX | 50 |
| LC | 42 |
| TOTAL | 69,968 |
LEXUS ELECTRIFIED POWERTAIN SALES2
| Powertrain | Unit |
|---|---|
| HEV | 65,891 |
| PHEV | 3,201 |
| BEV | 876 |
| Total | 69,968 |
